An FIR has been lodged against the authorities of the Central Institute of Technology in Kokrajhar after around 60 girl students fell ill in a suspected food poisoning case.

The students of the Gambari Sikhla Girls’ Hostel fell ill after dinner on Saturday night, September 26. Symptoms began around 10:15 pm, with students reporting vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. They were taken to the Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital.

Attending doctors said the symptoms were suggestive of possible food poisoning and that the students’ vital signs remained stable. The FIR was lodged by the District Commissioner after a magisterial enquiry into unhygienic food at the hostel.

Students staged a protest on Monday, September 28, demanding action against the hostel mess contractor. They alleged that complaints about unhygienic kitchen conditions had been raised earlier but ignored.

The district administration has also issued a show-cause notice to the institute. A further inquiry may follow if needed.